Apple Inc.: Worker’s Death At Pegatron Not Due To Working Conditions

The recent death of a 15-year-old Pegatron Corporation (TPE:4938) (OTCMKTS:PGTRF) employee has prompted investigation. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) hired their own medical experts to look into the situation and they concluded that this death had nothing to do with working conditions at the Pegatron facility, where employees assemble iPad Mini tablets and iPhones.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) released the following statement Thursday morning: “Last month we sent independent medical experts from the U.S. and China to conduct an investigation of the (Pegatron) factory. While they have found no evidence of any link to working conditions there, we realize that is of little comfort to the families who have lost their loved one.”

Apple factories have been linked to several deaths

Yesterday, China Labor Watch reported on the death of five Pegatron employees including the young teen. Shi Zhaokun died after losing his battle to pneumonia. He was initially hired by Pegatron Corporation (TPE:4938) (OTCMKTS:PGTRF) after posing as someone older. China’s labor laws and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s Supplier Code of Conduct require that employees must be at least 16-years-age. Apple Insider added, “Shi’s death is the latest in a string of Pegatron worker fatalities this year, and Chinese labor activists believe the deaths are related to working conditions at the company’s factories. Pegatron has denied that accusation, but did acknowledge the deaths.”

Apple remains committed to safety

The iPhone maker added in their statement, “Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has a long-standing commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for every worker in our supply chain, and we have a team working with Pegatron Corporation (TPE:4938) (OTCMKTS:PGTRF) at their facility to ensure that conditions meet our high standards.”

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been in the center of the debate regarding employee working conditions for the last few years. Much of the issues are with Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd. (TPE:2354) (OTCMKTS:FXCOF), another factory that assembles their gadgets. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been working to keep up with the complaints and resolve issues.